Top 10 State Parks in Georgia, Georgia

October 13, 2021 Darleen Reid

While Atlanta is the anchor and capital of Georgia, you can aim in any direction to find distinctly different regions – from the tail of the Appalachians in the North to the rolling Piedmont hills and on down to the seaside marshes in the East. Atlanta lays claim to the state’s number one attraction – Stone Mountain State Park. They say it best - “Serious fun. Endless adventure.” Just 15 minutes from downtown, the world’s largest exposed granite dome is surrounded by 3,200 acres of natural beauty and stimulating activities for every member of the family – sky rides and hiking paths, laser shows and pedal boats along Stone Mountain Lake. Golfers tee it up, while red foxes dash across the fairways in a state where the Masters Golf Tournament creates revered green-jacket memories every year. It’s a long downhill ride down to historic Savannah, a ‘stone’s throw’ from the Atlantic and a virtual step back in time to Southern architecture and stately squares. St. Simon’s and Jekyll Islands offer barrier island beauty and a wonderful combination of outdoor activities, historic sites and artistic culture. Originally the private winter playground of wealthy northeasterners, Jekyll Island stretches along 10 miles of coastal beaches and inland marshes. Cycling and walking paths wind under moss-laden oaks, and a tour of Millionaire Village takes you back to those Cornelius Vanderbilt and J.P. Morgan days. The kid-friendly Summer Waves Water Park adds man-made fun to natural water sport activities. Coastal golf courses and sophisticated St. Simon’s Island appeal to moms, dads and vacationing couples.
Restaurants in Georgia

1. F. D. Roosevelt State Park

2970 Ga-190, Pine Mountain, GA 31822-2200 +1 706-663-4858 http://gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt
Excellent
64%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 494 reviews

F. D. Roosevelt State Park

Site of Dowdell's Knob, President Franklin Roosevelt's favorite picnic spot where he hosted family barbecues.

Reviewed By CampingCarol333

This park is up a small mountain known as Pine Mountain and is located between 2 cute towns known as Warm Springs Ga. And Pineview Ga. Both had fast food, small town charm, mom n pop stores and mom n pop restaurants. This park is the largest state park in Ga with numerous trails for all levels of hikers. This park is honoring President FDR who served 3 times as our President in the Great Depression to WW2. He came often to Warm Springs for therapy for rehabbing of his legs that were impaired by the scourge of polio. He lived in a home known as "The Little White House". My daughter and husband visited the house museum and learned so much about Pres. FDR and his times. The park has many cabins with fireplaces along the mountain bluffs with views of the valley below the mountain or views of the lake. Some are pet friendly. The park has a picturesque registr as tin and gift shop. Looks so rustic. Go behind it to mlm look at the jaw dropping view of the valley. Next to the park isxa riding stable that offers rides on the mountain for an hour, half a day and all day rides. This Ga park has an outdoor fitness gym which is very nice and a liberty shaped pools with stones from the mountain on the bottom. Next to the park is Callaway Gardens which offers butterfly house, ziplining, nature centers, gardens etc. So much to see in the area and activities to do. This campground only offers electric/water but had gray dump areas about every 2 or 3 sites. I thought that was very convenient. The park campground is large and currently revamping some spots and campstore. We cannot wait to go back in warmer weather to do a lot of activities we didnt get to do. This campground to me has a rating of 5 stars out of 5. Oh there is a BBQ place in Mountainview as you come into town from the campground that has indoor/outdoor seating. Locals love it and we did too. Fastest service ccx we have ever experienced. You order at bv the counter and waitress brings it to the table. Has daily meal specials. Reasonably priced, good quantity. Will eat there again and again. Now in Warm Sorings there ccx was a buffet restaurant that specializes in Southern style comfort foods like fried chicken/meatloaf/macaroni n cheese/collard greens/ rolls/cornbread and fried green tomatoes. If you love cracker Barrel you will love this. The 2 restaurants are in the 2 small towns. Easy to find. Just describe them and people will knowxabd steerbyou to bv them I just cant remember the names. Go to FDR state park. You will love it!

2. Panola Mountain State Park

2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281-5236 +1 770-389-7801 http://gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 99 reviews

Panola Mountain State Park

Home to a rare, pristine monadnock, Panola Mountain State Park provides you an oasis near Metro Atlanta to play, unwind, learn or discover the diverse natural and cultural heritage of the piedmont region.

Reviewed By 962anthonyp - Charleston, United States

Part of the Arabia Mountain Parks, this park features some of the best that can be found in the state park system. The PATH trail is amazing for biking or rollerblading or even doing some glamour hiking. There are also a number of trails that head off into the woods or out to one of the many stunning granite outcroppings. There are a couple of lakes, several pavilions for picnicking, playground, and some very nice facilities. There is a geocaching program here that will reward you with several free challenge coins. Check out their website for the other programs, which we missed but sounded really good - including lots of archery and tree climbing, which according to the flyer involves ropes, helmets and belaying equipment! Beautiful park just outside of Atlanta - definitely worth a visit!

3. Indian Springs State Park

678 Lake Clark Rd Hwy 42, Flovilla, GA 30216-2309 +1 770-504-2277 http://gastateparks.org/info/indspr/
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 123 reviews

Indian Springs State Park

A state park within driving distance of Atlanta offering picnic areas, hiking trails, a lake for swimming, boat rentals and rustic cottages.

Reviewed By KelseyLF

So, we do not live far from this and I wanted to hit this one since it’s close. It’s great!! The trail... 3 miles one way, be prepared to work up a sweat! It’s so worth it...it felt amazing to walk through the woods and breath in the fresh air! The falls are beautiful and the rocks are too! Clean restrooms & the lady in the visitors center was so sweet!! We played putt-putt after our hike and had a blast! It’s worth it!!!

4. Stone Mountain Park

1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 +1 800-401-2407 [email protected] http://www.stonemountainpark.com
Excellent
54%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,868 reviews

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park is Georgia's most visited attraction, drawing nearly 4 million guests each year. With over 3,200 acres of natural beauty, the Park is a unique and fun destination where families and friends can enjoy the outdoors together, while experiencing an exciting variety of attractions, entertainment and recreation. It's home to the worlds largest LaserShow Spectacular, tons of attractions, two championship golf courses, a campground and two Mariott hotels.

Reviewed By Journey111355

This is a park for the whole family. There is something for everyone, if you like to hike you can hike up the mountain to the top or take the easy way up by using the cable car ????.there is the train ????,shops and much more for your family.

5. Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area

Route 1, Lumpkin, GA 31815-0158 +1 229-838-6870 http://gastateparks.org/info/providence/
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 420 reviews

Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area

A strange land formation called "The Little Grand Canyon."

Reviewed By 962anthonyp - Charleston, United States

This amazing park is a man made (through negligence) Grand Canyon. Towering canyons, some of which are almost 15 stories tall, provide an amazing story about the soil and the process of erosion, but leave you in awe as you walk through a waterlogged and still eroding canyon floor, surrounded by colors one generally think reserved for comic books. Bring water, bring sun protection. The canyons themselves are a short hike in - and you can actually see them without issue from the car park. There is a nice 4 mile trail through the canyons, which can be extended considerably if desired. Lots of nice hiking, climbing, and geocaching opportunities here.

6. Crooked River State Park

3092 Spur 40 St. Mary's, St. Marys, GA 31558 +1 912-882-5256 http://www.gastateparks.org
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 295 reviews

Crooked River State Park

This park provides good fishing, a Native American festival in August and a pleasant setting for hikers and campers.

Reviewed By mpm3 - Jacksonville Beach, United States

Crooked River State Park is a real gem! It has a very large array of facilities in the Georgia pines, spread out along the majestic Crooked River. There is a boat ramp, bait shop, large picnic areas, entertainment facilities, cottages right along the water, RV and tent sites, miniature golf, bike rentals, outdoor fitness equipment, a nature center, and miles of beautiful walking trails. All the facilities were clean and well maintained, and the park rangers and volunteers were friendly and very helpful.

7. Amicalola Falls State Park

418 Amicalola Falls Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534-1009 +1 800-573-9656 http://www.amicalolafalls.com
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,367 reviews

Amicalola Falls State Park

Home to more than 1,500 acres of mountainous terrain and the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River.

Reviewed By LJH6 - Owasso, United States

Highly recommend a trip to this park. The scenery was beautiful even in the dead of winter. The Georgia State park pass was $5 at the gate, not bad. We stopped in at the visitor center and happened to be there when they started a wildlife presentation. That was cool. There was lots of information about the Appalachian trail, which was interesting. The visitor center has maps of hiking trails to hike up to the falls, which can be an hour to two hour (ish) hike up and back or you can drive up the road towards the top of the falls and take the 1st right into a small lot, from there you can walk on a paved trail to the middle of the Falls. There are several ways to see the falls. There is a staircase going from the top down to the middle and all the way to the bottom of the falls. We chose the easiest route and it was beautiful. The lodge at the top of the Falls has a nice deck you can walk out onto or grab a chair, its a beautiful view. There is the Maple restaurant inside the lodge, it also has a beautiful dining room with great views. There are several trails around the park, great place for hiking.

8. Etowah Indian Mounds State Park

813 Indian Mound Rd SE, Cartersville, GA 30120-6415 +1 770-387-3747 http://www.gastateparks.org
Excellent
57%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 225 reviews

Etowah Indian Mounds State Park

The park contains a hiking trail to the mounds, as well as a museum of Indian artifacts.

Reviewed By KelseyLF

One teenager, 9-yr old, husband and myself. We were on a day trip at Red Top Mountain State Park and decided to stop by this site. And it was great! Rich in history and beautiful river flowing by these awesome mounds. It is worth the trip! The fee was $21 total for the 4 of us.

9. Skidaway Island State Park

52 Diamond Cswy, Savannah, GA 31411-1102 +1 912-598-2300 http://www.gastateparks.org/SkidawayIsland
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 587 reviews

Skidaway Island State Park

Located near historic Savannah, this park borders Skidaway narrows, a part of Georgia’s intracoastal waterway. Trails wind through maritime forest and past salt marsh, leading to a boardwalk and observation tower. Visitors can watch for deer, fiddler crabs, raccoon, egrets and other wildlife. A scenic campground is nestled under live oaks and Spanish moss, while groups can enjoy privacy in their own pioneer campgrounds. Open-air picnic shelters and an enclosed group shelter are popular spots for parties, reunions and other celebrations.

Reviewed By necroplague - Forest City, United States

Quite campground with very large sites. Water pressure is good as well as clean power. Will be returning.

10. Wormsloe Historic Site

7601 Skidaway Rd, Savannah, GA 31406-6449 +1 912-353-3023 [email protected] http://www.gastateparks.org/Wormsloe
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,719 reviews

Wormsloe Historic Site

A breathtaking live oak avenue leads visitors one mile down a colonial road to a vistor center, where they can watch short historical film, tour a museum, and browse a gift shop. A walking trail leads to the 1737 tabby ruins of the oldest remaining structure in the Savannah. Trails meander past scenic marsh views to the Colonial Life Area, where costumed interpreters provide living history demonstrations in the afternoons, weather permitting. Five more miles of nature trails are available for those who are more adventurous.

Reviewed By sayrenas - McDonough, United States

Y’all...Live Oaks give me ALL the heart eyes so when we arrived at Wormsloe to drive down the Avenue of Oaks, I fell in love! The trees themselves are beautiful and made this destination well worth the visit for me; however, we continued to explore and enjoyed further exploration of the tabby ruins and the marsh. We also happened upon a blacksmith demonstration, which was quite interesting to watch. All in all, we would come back and would most definitely recommend this site to others.

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